Spinazzola between Forest, Viaduct and History

Spinazzola combines impressive landscapes with a multifaceted history. Between the Bosco di Acquatetta, the Ponte dei 21 Archi and historic religious buildings, you can discover a place where nature, architecture and the region’s past stand closely side by side.

Culture between Monastery, Church and Railway Viaduct

The Museo Civico is housed in the former monastery of the Frati Minori Osservanti, dating from the 15th century. The original complex of the Chiesa dell’Annunziata also reaches far back into history: it was built with the permission of Boniface IX on 5 December 1391 and had previously been a Franciscan monastery.

The Ponte dei 21 Archi represents a distinctive combination of technological history and landscape. The railway viaduct in Contrada Macchia was built between 1889 and 1891 within the municipality of Spinazzola. It belonged to the historic Gioia del Colle–Rocchetta Sant’Antonio railway line, which connected Apulia and Basilicata. With a length of approximately 250 metres, round-arched arcades and striking pillars, the structure blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape.

Religious traditions shape another part of the town. The Santuario di Maria Santissima del Bosco preserves the sacred image of the “Madonna del Bosco”. On the Tuesday after Easter, it is carried in a procession into the village and to the Chiesa Madre, before being returned to the sanctuary in August. Another historical trace dates back to around 1100: in Spinazzola, the Templars had Apulia’s first hospital built to care for wounded knights during the Crusades.

Forest, Bauxite and the Landscape of Alta Murgia

The Bosco di Acquatetta extends across the municipal territories of Minervino Murge and Spinazzola. Covering 1,100 hectares, it is Apulia’s second-largest forest by area. Along its paths, wild orchids and aromatic plants such as thyme, peppermint and wild fennel shape its biodiversity. Numerous plants associated with traditional cuisine are also found here.

The Miniere di Bauxite also connect nature and the past. They preserve the memory of an industrial past and provide habitats for animal species that contribute to the area’s biodiversity. The Rocca del Garagnone lies in Zone A of the Alta Murgia National Park.

Geotourism Trails and Historic Vistas

The hiking trail in Spinazzola runs mostly along firebreaks and unpaved paths. A route to Castello del Garagnone begins at Azienda Ventura in Spinazzola. During a nature-oriented trek, the route passed through the paths of the Bosco di Acquatetta to the Voragine del Cavone and the Cava di Bauxite.

Grottelline is a rupestrian archaeological site on Spinazzola’s geotourism loop. The Spinazzola section of this loop offers views of the Premurgia Bradanica to the north and of Monte Vulture. The loop also provides magnificent views of Monte Vulture from the historic Rocchetta Sant’Antonio railway line.

Practical Orientation on Site

The Ponte dei 21 Archi can be accessed via external paths and country roads in the rural municipal area of Spinazzola.

More Destinations

More destinations in the same travel area: Torre A Mare, Altamura, Bari, Corato, Minervino Murge, Modugno, Ruvo Di Puglia, Molfetta.

To the higher-level travel overview: Bari.